Gregor Townsend believes Glasgow Warriors will be up against it in this weekend’s rescheduled 1872 Cup but insists his side have the focus to pull through. A Glasgow victory would see them climb from fourth to second spot in the RaboDirect PRO12 table with just two rounds of the regular season to go. The Warriors have won their last five RaboDirect PRO12 encounters since their 28-25 defeat to Leinster at the RDS on March 1. With that momentum behind them head coach Townsend is excited about the prospect of facing a strong Edinburgh side. As well as five wins on the bounce Townsend’s men have also won their last five contests at Scotstoun in all competitions since Toulon beat them there in the European Cup on January 18. But Townsend is well aware that it will be a fiery encounter where form can go out the window and he is relishing the challenge. “We’re very focused we know the challenges up against us,” said Townsend. “Edinburgh have picked a very strong side and they’re up for the trophy just like us. “The 1872 Cup is something we take very seriously. We know things have been going pretty well but we’ve got to keep the momentum going and play well this weekend. “We knew we were going to have a tough run-in. We had eight games in a row with two of our games postponed but this one stood out in the fixture. “Playing in this kind of weather will be great and we’re expecting a bumper crowd. It’s always the highlight of the season playing Edinburgh, and even more so now. “We’ve rested players at certain times of the season, so we’ve got a really strong side.” Ruaridh Jackson will be in at stand-off for Glasgow who are also boosted by the return to the side of skipper Al Kellock. And, while Glasgow are heading into the fixture on the back of a good run of form, Edinburgh’s fortunes have been slightly less rosey. They have won only one of their last five RaboDirect PRO12 fixtures which came against 23-19 over Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on April 3 – their only away win in the league this season. And their only other visit to Scotstoun came on December 21 2012 where they lost in 23-14 in the PRO12. Glasgow have won their last four matches against Edinburgh since the 23-23 draw at Murrayfield on Boxing Day 2011. Edinburgh’s chances will be improved by the return of captain Greig Laidlaw to their line-up following his six-week international break. And Laidlaw isn’t the only player returning with Grant Gilchrist, Izak van der Westhuizen and Alasdair Dickinson also coming back into the fold after injury. Edinburgh head coach, Alan Solomons, said: “I think this is a fantastic way for Greig [Laidlaw] to finish his time with Edinburgh Rugby, first to lead the side against Glasgow in this derby match, then again against Munster in our last home game of the season and then away against a top European side like Leinster. “He will add a lot of value to the team with his experience and leadership and, while your first game back is always tough, he has a good temperament, is a good player, and is the kind of individual that will give a good account of himself. “There's 140 years of tradition in this match, so there's no doubt it's a game for which our players are always excited and look forward to. “We will give absolutely everything to ensure we produce a good performance.” At Scotstoun Stadium, 7.05pm. Live on BBC ALBA Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FFR, 2nd competition game) Assistant Referees: Neil Paterson, Graeme Marshall (both SRU) Citing Commissioner: Douglas Hunter (SRU) TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU)
